Data Backup Problems

Where OneNote for Windows 10 Stores Local Notebooks and How to Back Them Up

Olivia Miller Oct 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is looking for the local folder where OneNote for Windows 10 stores notebooks in order to back them up before migrating to a new computer, but cannot find a local backup option.

Where OneNote for Windows 10 Stores Local Notebooks and How to Back Them Up

Product: Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Backing up notebooks safely before transferring data to a new computer.
Observed behavior: OneNote for Windows 10 does not display a local notebook folder or offer a traditional local backup feature within the app settings.

Before you start

Ensure you have your Microsoft account credentials ready and an active internet connection, as OneNote for Windows 10 relies entirely on cloud storage via OneDrive rather than local files.

Solution 1Recommended

Export Notebooks using OneNote on the Web

Because OneNote for Windows 10 does not create local backup files on your hard drive, you must use the web version of OneNote to manually export and download your notebooks.

OneNote for Windows 10 syncs directly to the cloud. To create a local backup, you need to download a packaged copy of your notebook directly from the web interface.

Sign in to OneNote online

Open a modern web browser and navigate to https://www.onenote.com. Log in using the Microsoft account that contains the notebooks you wish to back up.

Locate your notebook

Once logged in, look under the 'My Notebooks' section to find the specific notebook you need to transfer.

Export the notebook

Right-click on the notebook name and select 'Export notebook' from the context menu.

Save the backup file

Click 'Export' when prompted and choose a secure location on your computer or an external drive to save the downloaded zip file.

Export Notebooks using OneNote on the Web

Subscription Not Required: You do not need a paid Microsoft 365 subscription to export your notebooks; a standard free Microsoft account works perfectly.

Solution 2

Import the Exported Notebook on the New Computer

After exporting your notebook from the old computer, you must extract the file and use the official Microsoft Importer tool to restore it on your new device.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find my OneNote files in the AppData folder?

The AppData folder is only used for local backups by desktop versions like OneNote 2016 or OneNote 2021. OneNote for Windows 10 stores all its data directly in the cloud via OneDrive, meaning no accessible local backup folders are generated on your hard drive.

Do I need a Microsoft 365 subscription to export my OneNote for Windows 10 notebooks?

No, exporting and importing OneNote notebooks via the web portal is completely free and only requires your standard Microsoft account credentials.

Can I set up automatic local backups in OneNote for Windows 10?

No, OneNote for Windows 10 does not support automatic local backups. If you require automatic local backups, you will need to install and use the traditional desktop version, such as OneNote 2021 or OneNote 2016.

Migration & Recovery